State of Emergency Declared, but no evacuations ordered and no restrictions in place

State of Emergency Declared, but no evacuations ordered and no restrictions in place

The Town of Oak Island has declared a State of Emergency effective at 6 a.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2018, in anticipation of Hurricane Michael. There are no restrictions and there are no evacuations ordered at this time.

Residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas should know that Brunswick County is opening a pet-friendly shelter at West Brunswick High School (550 Whiteville Road, Shallotte) Thursday, Oct. 11 at 8 a.m. Brunswick County has also declared a State of Emergency, effective 8 a.m. Thursday. The shelter location is marked along with road hazards on Brunswick County’s Road Condition map, viewable at http://www.brunswickcountync.gov/road-closures/. Citizens can view instructions for viewing this information on the Google Maps navigational app on their phone on that page as well.

Residents evacuating to a shelter should bring identification, any needed medications, any needed items like glasses or diapers, clothing for several days, pillows, toiletries, chargers for cell phones, and books, games or cards. Residents should bring sheets or bedding, and cots and air mattresses if available. Alcohol, illegal substances, and weapons are not permitted.

Dogs and cats are accepted at the West Brunswick High School shelter. Owners must stay at the shelter as well, and should bring documentation of rabies vaccines, food, any medicines, and any other items necessary for your pets.

Tarps on roofs should be secured for tropical storm-force winds and heavy rainfall. Citizens should also secure or bring inside any items that could become a projectile with the forecast winds. The ground is already saturated in many areas, and it will not take as much wind to topple weakened trees.